Summer is here at last – and that means that we’re all going to be spending a lot more time outdoors. If your garden is less than people-friendly, what should you tackle first?

A new patio is a great way to give your outside space a new lease of life. As well as paving, things like furniture, plants and lighting can make your garden feel as warm and welcoming as any room in your home. First though, let’s think about the patio itself.

Slate Paving

If you’re wondering what kind of patio is right for you, then take a moment to consider one made of slate paving. Slate is incredibly hard wearing. In fact, it’s just as strong as concrete – and undoubtedly more attractive too. Maintenance is easy as well. In the unlikely event that one of your slabs does crack or become damaged, it’s very easy to fix as you can just replace individual tiles. So if you do need to update your patio, you can do so in a cost-effective and easy way. With so many different styles available too, it’s no wonder slate is so popular.

Garden furniture

Once you’ve got a brand new patio in place, the sky is the limit. Think of it like you would a freshly painted room in your home – a blank canvas that you can add plenty of finishing touches to. If you’re planning to host plenty of parties or barbecues, some garden furniture is a must. A table, chairs, benches and some recliners are all great buys. Invest in a good barbecue too, so that you can cook up plenty of food for your guests. If you’re a real foodie, why not add a stone oven to your patio? It’ll attract plenty of attention from your family and friends, that’s for sure.

Potted plants

Some new plants will add some interest to your outside space too. Herbs are easy to grow and look after, and you can keep them in pretty little pots or on window ledges. You can use them in your cooking too – so they’re great for impromptu barbecues! To add some colour to your patio, choose large, brightly painted pots and fill them with some summery blooms. If you’re prone to forgetting to water your plants, buy some cacti and succulents. These hardy little things hardly need looking after – and there are so many to choose from.

Mood lighting

Last but not least is lighting. After all, your summer evening gathering will soon fall a little flat if you’re all sitting there in darkness. Solar lights are a great option – dot them all around your patio for a subtle effect. Fairy lights really help to create a magical, romantic atmosphere too. If you are strapped for cash though, candles work just as well (citronella ones will deter any bugs as well).

Enjoy your new patio!

There you have it – your guide to getting your garden ready for summer. With a pristine new patio and all those special finishing touches, your garden will soon become your favourite place to be as the weather warms up. Once your family and friends get wind of the changes you’ve made, it will be their favourite sunbathing spot too!

Chloe Cotton is the editor at The Happiest Homes, a leading UK digital home magazine.stylish patiostylish patio

Post navigation

Related Posts

October 14, 2016Four Patio Features To Keep You Warm In The Winter
As the chilly months creep up, most of us tend to retreat indoors where we’re sure to find a warm reprieve from the cold. Instead of relaxing on the patio as we did during the warmer seasons, we leave the back yard behind. But the good news is that we don’t have to abandon our patios in the winter!
There are myriad solutions for your porch, patio and back yard that will empower you to reclaim your outdoor abodes while keeping cozy even in the frosty months. Remember to keep […]Posted in Yard and Garden

February 16, 2017Check Out the Top 3 Tips for Garden Makeovers
Gardening is an exceptional and an eco-friendly hobby as well. Loads of creativity can be portrayed through garden makeovers. This is an art of planning layouts of gardens and changing the entire landscape in a different but more pleasant way. As we know, gardening is not only about planting saplings, but also about maintaining and pruning plants according to choice and preference. There are many professional twists to this area of gardening and garden renovations have become […]Posted in Yard and Garden

August 10, 2016Practical Beauty For Your Patio: Why Rattan Garden Furniture Is Always A Homeowner Favorite
Rattan furniture is stylish. With its exotic appearance and woven textures, many homeowners are drawn to the beautiful look of these versatile pieces. Unlike other types of garden furniture, rattan can be enjoyed both outdoors and indoors as well. It is so attractive, in fact, that even one or two special rattan garden furniture pieces in your outdoor living area will greatly enhance your patio or garden.
WHY RATTAN FURNITURE IS SO POPULAR
There are a variety of reasons for […]Posted in Yard and Garden

August 23, 2016Outdoor Tiles Improve Your Home’s Function, Looks, And Value
Your outdoor space has a huge impact on how your home is perceived but also how it can be used. By choosing the wrong materials when upgrading it you can create an eyesore that actually decreases the value of your property and of course how much enjoyment you can have. That’s why it’s very important to pick the correct outdoor tiles for the job.
Why Tiles Anyway?
Let’s face it a concrete slab is boring. While it may function as a place for patio furniture it will never have […]Posted in Yard and Garden

October 26, 20167 Top Tips to Decorate Your Garden
Fancy improving your overall garden decor in a quick, simple and everlasting way? There are loads of different things which can help to enhance your garden and outdoor living space not only making it more inviting and comfortable but without adding lots of hard work and maintenance.
Here are 7 top tips:
Tip #1 - make the most of organic products, this is not only kinder to the environment but also helps to enhance your garden without sticking out. Choose organic products for […]Posted in Yard and Garden

June 9, 20177 Ways to Build Your Apartment Garden
If anyone talks about growing their own vegetables in their apartment, they may sound absurd to you but there are many ways to grow your own garden in your apartment. Apartment gardening may sound as an alien concept but it is still a possibility as there are several ways to grow your own garden in an apartment no matter how small it is.
The 7 most common ways to grow your own herbs, flowers, and even vegetables in your apartment are as follows:
1. Don’t worry about Space - […]Posted in Yard and Garden

August 25, 20175 Steps For A Simple Garden Design
Designing a garden is a quite thoughtful process and it takes a good amount of time to implement a garden design successfully. Garden design not only means that you must remodel your whole garden, but you can just opt for a simple garden design by changing the pattern of planting plants or introducing more varieties than usual.
There are a lot of ways by which you can on your garden. It is a matter a few simple steps that you have to opt. If you are unaware of where you should […]Posted in Yard and Garden

January 19, 20175 Top Tips to Get the Best from Your Paving
Whether you are thinking about updating your garden’s existing space, or have a blank canvas, it is important to ensure that your paving project is completed to the highest possible standard. With this in mind, this article sheds some light on patio maintenance, drainage, pointing, efflorescence, and safety, so that you can get the best from your paving.
Health and Safety
Firstly, there are a few health and safety procedures you should follow whilst carrying out your […]Posted in Yard and Garden

October 30, 2017How to handle Landscaping on a Budget?
Landscape design on a budget does not need to involve choosing a shabby-looking backyard and numerous decorations. Your opportunities are endless - from plants to outdoor patios, from flowerpots to water functions. Discover how you can conserve loan while developing an appealing backyard from the tips listed below.
1. Conserve Money by Reducing Lawn Size
Lots of house owners stress over regulating lawn weeds, and their obsession pushes them to invest cash needlessly. […]Posted in Home Improvement, Yard and Garden